Liverpool cruised into the next round of the FA Cup against Brighton, and Hugo Ekitike made a confusing cameo.
It was a routine night for Arne Slot’s men at Anfield, easing past the struggling Seagulls with a convincing 3-0 win. Liverpool were fantastic against Brighton, never at risk of crashing out of the competition.
The game was put to bed when Mo Salah converted emphatically from the spot in the 68th minute.
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Curtis Jones points to the Anfield stand in celebration during Liverpool's FA Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion
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It was rather strange then, to see Hugo Ekitike introduced with 15 minutes to go.
Arne Slot’s decision to bring on Hugo Ekitike an unnecessary risk
Liverpool had the game wrapped up by the time Slot turned to the bench. When number 22 appeared on the fourth official’s board, it didn’t make much sense.
With Alexander Isak still out and Jayden Danns not yet back for Liverpool, Ekitike is the only recognised number nine fit to play.
The decision to exclude him from the lineup was definitely the right one, and Slot should have stuck to it.
Arne Slot during Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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The Frenchman came on in place of Salah with the result all but settled, unnecessarily risking an injury. Liverpool don’t have the luxury of a deep squad this season, so protecting the stars is of paramount importance.
Not sure what spurred that decision.
Mo Salah should have stayed on against Brighton
After a difficult few weeks post-AFCON, this display from Salah was as good as we have seen this season.
Ferdi Kadioglu will be having nightmares over the Egyptian, who made his life miserable over on the wing.
The penalty was nothing short of perfection, and that along with a brilliant assist to Dominik Szoboszlai will do him the world of good.
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Mohamed Salah applauds Liverpool supporters after beating Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in the FA Cup (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
It felt like he had more to give, too. Not only was bringing on Ekitike a strange call — so was taking Salah off in such hot form.
Maybe there’s a reason from the performance staff. Slot coached a great game and it’s not the time for loads of criticism, but it would be interesting to know what was going through his mind with these substitutions.
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